The Rise of Meter Tampering 

Reports of energy meter tampering are on the increase, with more tradespeople noticing it in UK homes. A recent survey by Direct Line revealed that 3 in 10 tradespeople have come across signs of tampering, highlighting how common the practice is becoming. But why is it happening, and what are the risks for those who try it? 

What is meter tampering? 

Meter tampering happens when someone deliberately interferes with their gas or electricity meter so it no longer records energy use properly. The aim is usually to cut bills — but it is theft, and it’s illegal. 

There are different ways people attempt this: 

• Disabling or slowing the meter so it doesn’t register the full usage. 

• Bypassing the meter entirely so no usage is r ecorded. 

It tends to be easier on older-style meters, but even modern smart meters can be interfered with. 

Why is tampering on the rise? 

The ongoing cost of living crisis has been a major factor. Direct Line’s survey found that 43% of electricians and gas engineers have been asked by customers to tamper with their meters in the past year. 

Although e nergy prices have started to fall, many households are still struggling with higher costs for rent, food, fuel and bills. Energy is a fixed, unavoidable expense, so for some people, tampering feels like a desperate solution. 

But this short-term “saving” carries big risks. 

The consequences of meter tampering 

Tampering with an energy meter can result in: 

• Legal penalties – fines of up to £30,000 and prison sentences of up to five years. 

• A criminal record – damaging long-term employability and financial options. 

• Health and safety dangers – exposed or damaged wires can cause shocks, fires, or long-term electrical faults in the property. 

Most importantly, 83% of electricians and gas engineers say they would report signs of tampering if they found them, making the chance of getting caught very high. 

Safer alternatives for households 

Rather than risking lives and livelihoods through tampering, there are safer routes available: 

• Contact your energy supplier to ask about payment plans or discounts. 

• Check eligibility for UK Government cost-of-living support. 

• Review daily usage with a smart meter display or energy-use calculator to see where savings can be made. 

Learning more about how electrical systems operate can also help people make safer, more informed choices at home. 

Train with Elec Training 

Electricians are on the front line of spotting and reporting tampering, as well as helping households stay safe. If you’re interested in training for this vital role, take a look at: 

• Electrician Courses Nottingham 

• Electrician Courses Manchester 

• Safety modules such as Dealing with Hazards Lesson 14 and Lesson 15 

At Elec Training, we provide the skills and knowledge that make a difference in the real world — protecting people, properties and the wider community. 

What does meter tampering mean in the context of electricity and gas supplies? 

Meter tampering refers to any illegal interference with an electricity or gas meter to alter its readings, bypass its function, or fraudulently reduce recorded consumption, often to lower energy bills. In the UK, this includes physical modifications like inserting magnets, rewiring, or using illegal devices to slow or stop the meter, as well as software hacks on smart meters. Under the Energy Theft Act and Electricity Act 1989, it’s classified as fraud, with suppliers like British Gas defining it as “any action that prevents accurate measurement of energy used.” This not only defrauds suppliers but poses serious safety risks, such as fires or explosions from improper gas handling. Elec Training emphasizes recognizing tampering signs during installations to ensure compliance with BS 7671 standards. 

How do people typically tamper with meters to reduce their bills? 

Common methods include placing strong magnets near mechanical meters to slow spinning dials (reducing readings by 20-50%), bypassing meters with illegal wiring or “shunts” to divert power, drilling holes to manipulate internal components, or using software exploits on smart meters like unauthorized apps to under-report usage. For gas, tampering often involves breaking seals or reversing meters. Online tutorials and black-market devices facilitate this, but they risk detection via irregular consumption patterns. Elec Training warns that such alterations violate the Electricity Act 1989 and can lead to catastrophic failures, training electricians to spot these during EICRs. 

Why has meter tampering become more common in recent years? 

Meter tampering has risen due to soaring energy costs post-2022 crisis (bills up 54% in 2022-2023), economic pressures from cost-of-living hikes, and increased awareness of DIY methods via online forums, with cases jumping 50% in 2023 to over 10,000 detected annually. Stay Energy Safe reports a 75% increase since 2021, linked to fuel poverty affecting 8.3 million households in 2024. The shift to smart meters hasn’t d eterred hacks, exacerbating the issue. Elec Training attributes part of the spike to unaddressed skills gaps, offering safety courses to combat unsafe practices. 

Can smart meters also be tampered with, or is it only older meters? 

Smart meters can be tampered with, though more sophisticated methods are needed compared to older mechanical meters—hacks include software vulnerabilities, signal jamming to prevent data transmission, or physical bypasses like magnets (less effective on digital models). Over 1,000 smart meter tampering cases were reported in 2024, with suppliers like Octopus using AI to detect anomalies. While designed with encryption, no system is foolproof. Elec Training’s smart meter modules teach detection techniques, stressing that tampering voids warranties and risks disconnection. 

What are the legal consequences of tampering with an energy meter in the UK? 

Tampering is illegal under the Theft Act 1968 and Electricity Act 1989, treated as fraud or criminal damage, with suppliers able to disconnect service, back-bill estimated usage (up to £10,000+), and pursue civil recovery. Prosecution can lead to fines or imprisonment (up to 5 years), with 400 convictions in 2023. Elec Training warns learners of these, promoting ethical practices in its NVQ courses. 

What safety risks are linked to interfering with a meter? 

Interfering poses risks like electrocution (from exposed live wires), gas leaks/explosions (e.g., 10 deaths in 2023 from faulty tampering), fires from overheating circuits, and toxic fume release from damaged components. Magnets or bypasses can cause arcs up to 5,000°C. Elec Training’s safety training highlights these, teaching hazard identification to prevent accidents during inspections. 

How likely is it that tampering will be detected by electricians, gas engineers, or suppliers? 

Tampering is highly likely to be detected—suppliers spot 70-80% via smart meter alerts or consumption anomalies, while engineers identify physical signs during routine checks (e.g., seals broken, magnets residue) in 90% of cases. Over 10,000 detections in 2024 underscore this. Elec Training equips electricians with detection skills in its AM2 assessments. 

Are there financial penalties or prison sentences for those caught tampering? 

Yes, penalties include fines up to £10,000, back-bills for estimated theft (£2,000-£20,000), and prison sentences of up to 5 years under the Theft Act—e.g., a 2024 case saw 3 years for £50k fraud. Suppliers may add disconnection fees (£200+). Elec Training stresses these deterrents in ethics modules. 

What safer alternatives are available to households struggling with energy costs? 

Alternatives include energy grants like ECO4 (up to £10,000 for insulation/heat pumps), Warm Home Discount (£150 credit), and Winter Fuel Payments (£200-£300 for pensioners), plus supplier hardship funds (e.g., British Gas up to £2,000). Efficiency tips like LED bulbs save £100/year. Elec Training promotes these during client consultations to avoid tampering. 

How can electricians play a role in identifying and preventing meter tampering? 

Electricians identify tampering during EICRs or installs by spotting seals breaks, magnets, or unusual wiring, reporting to suppliers via Stay Energy Safe (0800 023 2777) or Crimestoppers. Prevention involves educating clients on risks and alternatives. Elec Training’s CPD includes reporting protocols, aiding in the 10,000+ annual detections.